Faith & Reason Nexus

1. Paul Arrested in Jerusalem
   • Acts 21:27-36: Paul is seized by a mob in Jerusalem, accused of bringing Gentiles into the temple. The riot escalates, and he is arrested by Roman soldiers to protect him from the crowd.
2. Paul’s Stairway Address
   • Acts 21:37-22:22: Paul addresses the crowd from the steps of the fortress, sharing his testimony of his conversion from a persecutor of Christians to a devoted follower of Christ. His story resonates with the crowd until he mentions God’s command to take the gospel to the Gentiles, which leads to their outrage.
3. Paul, a Roman Citizen
   • Acts 22:23-29: Paul asserts his rights as a Roman citizen when he is about to be scourged. This declaration causes the Roman commander to fear the consequences of mistreating a citizen, and Paul is spared.
4. Paul Before the Sanhedrin
   • Acts 22:30-23:11: Paul is brought before the Jewish council (Sanhedrin). He divides the council by proclaiming his belief in the resurrection, which leads to further division between the Pharisees and Sadducees. Paul is then taken back to the barracks for his safety.
5. Plot to Kill Paul
   • Acts 23:23-30: A conspiracy is formed by over 40 men who vow not to eat or drink until they kill Paul. The plot is revealed to Paul’s nephew, who informs the authorities. Paul is transferred under heavy guard to the governor, Felix, in Caesarea.
6. Paul Taken to Caesarea
   • Acts 23:31-32: Paul is escorted by a Roman military escort to Caesarea for his protection, where he will stand trial before Governor Felix.
7. At Caesarea
   • Acts 23:31-27:32: Paul’s imprisonment in Caesarea lasts for several years. He is kept under guard while awaiting trial, and during this time, he faces multiple hearings before Roman authorities, including governors Felix and Festus, and King Agrippa.
8. Paul Before Felix and the Jews
   • Acts 24:1-9: Paul is accused by the Jewish leaders before Governor Felix. They present false charges against him, but Paul defends himself, declaring his innocence and commitment to the gospel.
9. Paul Before Felix & Drusilla
   • Acts 24:24-26: Felix, along with his wife Drusilla, listens to Paul’s defense. Paul speaks to Felix about righteousness, self-control, and the coming judgment, which causes Felix to become uneasy. He leaves Paul in prison, hoping for a bribe.
10. Paul Before Festus
    • Acts 25:7-12: When Felix is succeeded by Festus, Paul is again brought before the new governor. The Jewish leaders press charges, but Paul defends himself and appeals to Caesar, exercising his right as a Roman citizen to have his case heard in Rome.
11. Paul Before Agrippa & Bernice
    • Acts 25:14-26:32: Paul is brought before King Agrippa and his sister Bernice. He shares his testimony and defends his faith, leading Agrippa to remark, “Almost thou persuadest me to be a Christian.” Despite Agrippa’s intrigue, Paul is sent to Rome.
12. Paul Sails for Rome
    • Acts 27:1-12: Paul embarks on the perilous journey to Rome as a prisoner. The ship encounters difficulties, and Paul warns the centurion of impending danger, but they continue their voyage.
13. Storm at Sea
    • Acts 27:13-26: A violent storm (Euroclydon) strikes the ship, and the crew and passengers fear for their lives. Paul encourages them with the assurance that no one will be lost, but they will be shipwrecked on an island.
14. The Shipwreck
    • Acts 27:27-44: The ship runs aground and is wrecked. The soldiers plan to kill the prisoners, but the centurion, wanting to save Paul, prevents them. Everyone survives, and they reach the shore of an island.
15. Island of Malta
    • Acts 28:1-10: The survivors are stranded on the island of Malta, where Paul is warmly received. He heals the father of the island’s chief official and many others, demonstrating God’s power through his ministry.
16. At Rome
    • Acts 28:11-31: After arriving in Rome, Paul is allowed to live in his own rented house, under guard. He continues to preach the gospel with boldness, receiving all who come to him and teaching about the kingdom of God and the Lord Jesus Christ, without hindrance.

In these final verses of Acts, we see Paul’s unwavering commitment to spreading the message of Christ, even while imprisoned and facing numerous trials. His ministry continues in Rome, fulfilling his calling to testify before rulers and nations.